In January 1917 British officials decoded a telegram from the German Foreign Office to the German Minister to Mexico. President Woodrow Wilson saw the text of the Zimmerman telegram by the end of February.
We intend to begin on the 1st of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
What was the most significant effect of this telegram?
A.
Wilson asked Congress to enter World War I against Germany.
B.
Wilson used U.S. forces to punish Mexico by seizing territory.
C.
Woodrow Wilson tried unsuccessfully to maintain U.S. neutrality.
D.
Wilson tried to persuade leaders in Europe to end World War I.